An essential element of well being is the experience of belonging, of being connected to others in a community, being accepted and valued, and being positively involved and engaged. Students can reach their full educational potential only when they are happy, healthy and safe and when there is a positive school culture to support them. This interdependent relationship between student wellbeing and student learning is fundamental to students positive and successful engagement with their education.
The National Safe Schools Framework (2011) was developed to support schools to build safe school communities and to address student wellbeing priorities. The safety of students is essential for academic development and all students should be able to learn and develop in safe, supportive and respectful environments. The National Professional Standards for Teachers also reflects an emphasis on student safety and wellbeing. This is specifically articulated in Standard 4: Create and Maintain Supportive and Safe Learning Environments.
The National Safe Schools Framework, provides a vision and a set of guiding principles for safe and supportive school communities that promote student wellbeing and develop respectful relationships.
The ACT Education Directorate has developed a Safe and Supportive Schools Policy, Procedures and Fact Sheets which can be downloaded.
The main aim and philosophy of the Mawson Primary School is to provide a caring and happy environment where all students can develop to their full potential and understand the significance of the choices they make in their lives.
We have developed a set of school expectations. Our SCARF expectations aim to:
- establish a caring and safe environment for each student and staff member
- assist students to take responsibility for the choices they make in their lives
- help students accept the consequences of inappropriate choices
- implement a consistent approach to helping students develop self awareness and awareness of others
Mawson Primary School’s (SCARF) expectations are:
Safety
- I keep my hands to myself
- I stay inside the boundaries
- I play safe games
- I stay away from dangerous situations
Cooperation
- I help other in a team
- I pull my weight when working with others
- I follow teachers' instructions so that I can learn
- I listen to others
Acceptance
- I accept people for who they are
- I welcome new children
- I take responsibility when I do the wrong thing
- I play by the rules
Respect
- I show respect by allowing other to work and learn
- I respect other people's appearances and beliefs
- I look after people's property
- I car for the environment
Friendliness
- I smile at others
- I am honest with others
- I share with others
- I invite people to play